U.S. patent application number 16/620390 was filed with the patent office on 2020-03-19 for drive control method, assembly and display device.
The applicant listed for this patent is BEIJING BOE DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Ming CHEN, Xin DUAN, Xibin SHAO, Jieqiong WANG, Xin WANG, Hao ZHU.
Application Number | 20200090616 16/620390 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63843888 |
Filed Date | 2020-03-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200090616 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DUAN; Xin ; et al. |
March 19, 2020 |
DRIVE CONTROL METHOD, ASSEMBLY AND DISPLAY DEVICE
Abstract
A drive control method, an assembly and a display device,
belonging to the field of panel manufacturing, for signal drive
control of a display panel. The drive control method is applied to
a time sequence controller, the time sequence controller is
connected through a first signal line to a plurality of source
drivers which are connected in parallel. The drive control method
includes generating a broadcast configuration instruction, the
broadcast configuration instruction being used for instructing a
plurality of source drivers to perform driver configuration
according to the broadcast configuration instruction, and sending
the broadcast configuration instruction through the first signal
line.
Inventors: |
DUAN; Xin; (Beijing, CN)
; WANG; Xin; (Beijing, CN) ; ZHU; Hao;
(Beijing, CN) ; WANG; Jieqiong; (Beijing, CN)
; CHEN; Ming; (Beijing, CN) ; SHAO; Xibin;
(Beijing, CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BEIJING BOE DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD. |
Beijing
Beijing |
|
CN
CN |
|
|
Family ID: |
63843888 |
Appl. No.: |
16/620390 |
Filed: |
June 4, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
June 4, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CN2018/089758 |
371 Date: |
December 6, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09G 3/3685 20130101;
G09G 3/36 20130101; G09G 2370/00 20130101; G09G 2310/0202 20130101;
G09G 2310/08 20130101; G09G 3/20 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G09G 3/36 20060101
G09G003/36 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 9, 2017 |
CN |
201710434373.3 |
Claims
1. A drive control method applicable to a time sequence controller,
wherein the time sequence controller is connected with a plurality
of source drivers that are parallel-connected, through a first
signal line, the method comprising: generating a broadcast
configuration instruction for instructing the plurality of source
drivers to perform driver configuration according to the broadcast
configuration instruction; and transmitting the broadcast
configuration instruction through the first signal line.
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the time sequence
controller is connected with the plurality of source drivers
through respective ones of a plurality of second signal lines, and
wherein the broadcast configuration instruction comprises a number,
transmission rate and signal equalizer information of a respective
second signal line of the plurality of second signal lines
connected with each source driver of the plurality of source
drivers.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein after transmitting the
broadcast configuration instruction through the first signal line,
the method further comprises: generating a point-to-point
configuration instruction comprising an identification of a first
source driver, the first source driver being any one of the
plurality of source drivers; transmitting the point-to-point
configuration instruction through the first signal line; and
receiving, through the first signal line, a configuration response
instruction transmitted by the first source driver, wherein the
configuration response instruction is transmitted to the time
sequence controller by the first source driver according to the
point-to-point configuration instruction, after the first source
driver detects the identification of the first source driver in the
point-to-point configuration instruction.
6. The method according to claim 5, wherein before generating the
point-to-point configuration instruction, the method further
comprises: configuring the identification of the first source
driver based on a target second signal line and the first signal
line, wherein the target second signal line is a second signal line
connecting the time sequence controller and the first source
driver.
7. A drive control method applicable to a first source driver,
wherein the first source driver is one of a plurality of source
drivers, and wherein the plurality of source drivers are connected
in parallel and connected with a time sequence controller through a
first signal line, the method comprising: receiving a broadcast
configuration instruction transmitted by the time sequence
controller through the first signal line; and performing driver
configuration according to the broadcast configuration
instruction.
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled)
10. The method according to claim 7, wherein the time sequence
controller is connected with the plurality of source drivers
through respective ones of a plurality of second signal lines, and
wherein the broadcast configuration instruction comprises a number,
transmission rate and signal equalizer information of a respective
second signal line of the plurality of second signal lines
connected with each source driver of the plurality of source
drivers.
11. The method according to claim 7, wherein after performing
driver configuration according to the broadcast configuration
instruction, the method further comprises: receiving a
point-to-point configuration instruction transmitted by the time
sequence controller through the first signal line, the
point-to-point configuration instruction comprising an
identification; detecting whether the identification in the
point-to-point configuration instruction identifies the first
source driver; and transmitting a configuration response
instruction to the time sequence controller through the first
signal line according to the point-to-point configuration
instruction after the identification in the point-to-point
configuration instruction is determined as identifying the first
source driver.
12. The method according to claim 11, wherein before receiving the
point-to-point configuration instruction transmitted by the time
sequence controller through the first signal line, the method
further comprises: based on a target second signal line and the
first signal line, acquiring the identification that is configured
for the first source driver by the time sequence controller, the
target second signal line being a second signal line connecting the
time sequence controller and the first source driver.
13. A drive control assembly applicable to the time sequence
controller, using the drive control method of claim 1, wherein the
time sequence controller is connected with the plurality of source
drivers that are parallel-connected, through the first signal line,
the drive control assembly comprising: a generator configured to
generate the broadcast configuration instruction for instructing
the plurality of source drivers to perform driver configuration
according to the broadcast configuration instruction; and a
transmitter configured to transmit the broadcast configuration
instruction through the first signal line.
14. (canceled)
15. (canceled)
16. The drive control assembly according to claim 13, wherein the
time sequence controller is connected with the plurality of source
drivers through respective ones of a plurality of second signal
lines, and wherein the broadcast configuration instruction
comprises a number, transmission rate and signal equalizer
information of a respective second signal line of the plurality of
second signal lines connected with each source driver of the
plurality of source drivers.
17. The drive control assembly according to claim 13, wherein the
generator is configured to generate a point-to-point configuration
instruction comprising an identification of a first source driver,
wherein the first source driver is one of the plurality of source
drivers, and wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit the
point-to-point configuration instruction through the first signal
line, wherein the drive control assembly further comprises a
receiver configured to receive, through the first signal line, a
configuration response instruction transmitted by the first source
driver, and wherein the configuration response instruction is
transmitted to the time sequence controller by the first source
driver according to the point-to-point configuration instruction
after the first source driver detects the identification of the
first source driver in the point-to-point configuration
instruction.
18. The drive control assembly according to claim 17, wherein the
drive control assembly further comprises: a configurer configured
to configure the identification of the first source driver based on
a target second signal line and the first signal line, wherein the
target second signal line is a second signal line connecting the
time sequence controller and the first source driver.
19. A drive control assembly applicable to the first source driver,
using the drive control method of claim 7, wherein the first source
driver is one of the plurality of source drivers, the plurality of
source drivers are connected in parallel and connected with the
time sequence controller through the first signal line, the drive
control assembly comprising: a receiver configured to receive the
broadcast configuration instruction transmitted by the time
sequence controller through the first signal line; and a configurer
configured to perform driver configuration according to the
broadcast configuration instruction.
20. (canceled)
21. (canceled)
22. The drive control assembly according to claim 19, wherein the
time sequence controller is connected with the plurality of source
drivers through respective ones of a plurality of second signal
lines, and wherein the broadcast configuration instruction
comprises a number, transmission rate and signal equalizer
information of a respective second signal line of the plurality of
second signal lines connected with each source driver of the
plurality of source drivers.
23. The drive control assembly according to claim 19, wherein the
receiver is also configured to receive a point-to-point
configuration instruction transmitted by the time sequence
controller through the first signal line, the point-to-point
configuration instruction comprising an identification; and the
drive control assembly further comprises: a detector configured to
detect whether the identification in the point-to-point
configuration instruction identifies the first source driver; and a
transmitter configured to transmit a configuration response
instruction to the time sequence controller through the first
signal line according to the point-to-point configuration
instruction after the identification in the point-to-point
configuration instruction is determined as identifying the first
source driver.
24. The drive control assembly according to claim 23, wherein the
drive control assembly further comprises: an acquirer configured
to, based on a target second signal line and the first signal line,
acquire the identification of the first source driver by the time
sequence controller, wherein the target second signal line is a
second signal line connecting the time sequence controller and the
first source driver.
25. A display device, comprising: a time sequence controller and a
plurality of source drivers, wherein the time sequence controller
is connected with the plurality of source drivers that are
parallel-connected, through a first signal line, wherein the time
sequence controller comprises a first drive control assembly
applicable to the time sequence controller, and wherein the first
drive control assembly applicable to the time sequence controller
comprises: a generator configured to generate a broadcast
configuration instruction for instructing the plurality of source
drivers to perform driver configuration according to the broadcast
configuration instruction; and a transmitter configured to transmit
the broadcast configuration instruction through the first signal
line, wherein each of the plurality of source drivers comprises a
second drive control assembly applicable to a source driver, and
wherein the second drive control assembly applicable to a source
driver comprises: a receiver configured to receive the broadcast
configuration instruction transmitted by the time sequence
controller through the first signal line; and a configurer
configured to perform driver configuration according to the
broadcast configuration instruction.
26. The display device according to claim 25, wherein each
instruction transmitted in the first signal line comprises a
preamble code, a start identifier, data bits and an end identifier
that are sequentially arranged, wherein the preamble code is used
to instruct a receiving terminal to perform clock and phase
calibration, the start identifier is used to indicate start of data
transmission, the data bits are used to carry configuration data,
and the end identifier is used to indicate end of the data
transmission.
27. The display device according to claim 26, wherein the preamble
code is obtained from consecutive binary 0s in at least 8 bits by
Manchester encoding; wherein the start identifier comprises
consecutive binary 0s in at least 2 bits; wherein the configuration
data carried by the data bits is data obtained by Manchester
encoding; and wherein the end identifier comprises consecutive
binary 1s in at least 2 bits.
28. The display device according to claim 25, wherein the time
sequence controller is connected with the plurality of source
drivers through respective ones of a plurality of second signal
lines, and wherein the broadcast configuration instruction
comprises a number, transmission rate and signal equalizer
information of a respective second signal line of the plurality of
second signal lines connected with each source driver of the
plurality of source drivers.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a 35 U.S.C. 371 national stage
application of PCT International Application PCT/CN2018/089758,
with an international filing date of Jun. 4, 2018, which claims the
benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. 201710434373.3, filed on
Jun. 9, 2017, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to the liquid crystal panel
manufacturing field, and more particularly to a drive control
method, an assembly and a display device.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A display device generally may comprise a display panel and
a panel drive circuit for driving the display panel. The panel
drive circuit may comprise a time sequence controller, a gate drive
circuit and a source drive circuit. Generally speaking, a gate
drive circuit comprises a plurality of gate drivers, and a source
drive circuit comprises a plurality of source drivers.
[0004] The panel drive circuit generally comprises two signal
lines, which herein may be respectively called a first signal line
and a second signal line, and the first signal line has a signal
transmission rate less than that of the second signal line. Under
such circumstances, the first signal line may be called a low-speed
signal line, which is typically used to identify a level state,
whereas the second signal line may be called a high-speed signal
line, which is typically used to transmit a high-speed differential
signal.
[0005] To be specific, in the panel drive process, a point-to-point
high-speed signal transmission technology is usually used for
signal transmission, characterized in that a one-to-one second
signal line is established between two devices (such as a time
sequence controller and a source controller) of a panel drive
circuit so as to transmit a high-speed differential signal. Usually
by means of an embedded clock, the source driver restores the clock
according to the received signal characteristics. Generally
speaking, in addition to the second signal line, the time sequence
controller is also provided with an additional first signal line. A
plurality of source drivers are connected in parallel and connected
to the first signal line. The first signal line is used to identify
a level state so as to coordinate with the second signal line for
clock synchronization between the time sequence controller and the
source driver.
SUMMARY
[0006] Since the above-mentioned first signal line may only
identify a level state, it has simple function and low utilization
rate. To this end, the embodiments of the present disclosure
provide a drive control method, an assembly and a display
device.
[0007] In the first aspect, there is provided a drive control
method applicable to a time sequence controller. The time sequence
controller is connected with a plurality of source drivers that are
parallel-connected, through a first signal line. The method may
comprise: generating a broadcast configuration instruction for
instructing the plurality of source drivers to perform driver
configuration according to the broadcast configuration instruction;
and transmitting the broadcast configuration instruction through
the first signal line.
[0008] In an embodiment, each instruction transmitted in the first
signal line comprises a preamble code, a start identifier, data
bits and an end identifier that are sequentially arranged, wherein
the preamble code is used to instruct a receiving terminal to
perform clock and phase calibration, the start identifier is used
to indicate the start of data transmission, the data bits are used
to carry configuration data, and the end identifier is used to
indicate the end of data transmission.
[0009] In an embodiment, the preamble code is obtained from
consecutive binary 0s in at least 8 bits by Manchester encoding;
the start identifier comprises consecutive binary 0s in at least 2
bits; the configuration data carried by the data bits is the data
obtained by Manchester encoding; and the end identifier comprises
consecutive binary 1s in at least 2 bits.
[0010] In an embodiment, the time sequence controller is connected
with the plurality of source drivers respectively through a
plurality of second signal lines, and the broadcast configuration
instruction comprises the number, transmission rate and signal
equalizer information of the second signal line connected with each
source driver.
[0011] In an embodiment, after transmitting the broadcast
configuration instruction through the first signal line, the method
may further comprise: generating a point-to-point configuration
instruction comprising an identification of a first source driver,
the first source driver being any one of the plurality of source
drivers; transmitting the point-to-point configuration instruction
through the first signal line; receiving, through the first signal
line, a configuration response instruction transmitted by the first
source driver, the configuration response instruction being
transmitted to the time sequence controller by the first source
driver according to the point-to-point configuration instruction
after the first source driver detects the identification in the
point-to-point configuration instruction as the identification of
the first source driver.
[0012] In an embodiment, before generating a point-to-point
configuration instruction, the method may further comprise:
[0013] configuring an identification for the first source driver
based on a target second signal line and the first signal line, the
target second signal line being a second signal line connecting the
time sequence controller and the first source driver.
[0014] In a second aspect, there is provided a drive control method
applicable to a first source driver. The first source driver is any
one of the plurality of source drivers. The plurality of source
drivers are connected in parallel and connected with a time
sequence controller through a first signal line. The method may
comprise: receiving a broadcast configuration instruction
transmitted by the time sequence controller through the first
signal line; and performing driver configuration according to the
broadcast configuration instruction.
[0015] In an embodiment, each instruction transmitted in the first
signal line comprises a preamble code, a start identifier, data
bits and an end identifier that are sequentially arranged, wherein
the preamble code is used to instruct a receiving terminal to
perform clock and phase calibration, the start identifier is used
to indicate the start of data transmission, the data bits are used
to carry configuration data, and the end identifier is used to
indicate the end of data transmission.
[0016] In an embodiment, the preamble code is obtained from
consecutive binary 0s in at least 8 bits by Manchester encoding;
the start identifier comprises consecutive binary 0s in at least 2
bits; the configuration data carried by the data bits is the data
obtained by Manchester encoding; and the end identifier comprises
consecutive binary 1s in at least 2 bits.
[0017] In an embodiment, the time sequence controller is connected
with the plurality of source drivers respectively through a
plurality of second signal lines, and the broadcast configuration
instruction comprises the number, transmission rate and signal
equalizer information of the second signal line connected with each
source driver.
[0018] In an embodiment, after performing driver configuration
according to the broadcast configuration instruction, the method
may further comprise: receiving a point-to-point configuration
instruction transmitted by the time sequence controller through the
first signal line, the point-to-point configuration instruction
comprising an identification; detecting whether the identification
in the point-to-point configuration instruction is the
identification of the first source driver; and transmitting a
configuration response instruction to the time sequence controller
through the first signal line according to the point-to-point
configuration instruction after the identification in the
point-to-point configuration instruction is determined as the
identification of the first source driver.
[0019] In an embodiment, before receiving a point-to-point
configuration instruction transmitted by the time sequence
controller through the first signal line, the method may further
comprise: based on a target second signal line and the first signal
line, acquiring the identification that is configured for the first
source driver by the time sequence controller, the target second
signal line being a second signal line connecting the time sequence
controller and the first source driver.
[0020] In a third aspect, there is provided a drive control
assembly applicable to a time sequence controller. The time
sequence controller is connected with a plurality of source drivers
that are parallel-connected, through a first signal line. The
assembly may comprise: a generator used to generate a broadcast
configuration instruction for instructing the plurality of source
drivers to perform driver configuration according to the broadcast
configuration instruction; and a transmitter used to transmit the
broadcast configuration instruction through the first signal
line.
[0021] In an embodiment, each instruction transmitted in the first
signal line comprises a preamble code, a start identifier, data
bits and an end identifier that are sequentially arranged, wherein
the preamble code is used to instruct a receiving terminal to
perform clock and phase calibration, the start identifier is used
to indicate the start of data transmission, the data bits are used
to carry configuration data, and the end identifier is used to
indicate the end of data transmission.
[0022] In an embodiment, the preamble code is obtained from
consecutive binary 0s in at least 8 bits by Manchester encoding;
the start identifier comprises consecutive binary 0s in at least 2
bits; the configuration data carried by the data bits is the data
obtained by Manchester encoding; and the end identifier comprises
consecutive binary 1s in at least 2 bits.
[0023] In an embodiment, the time sequence controller is connected
with the plurality of source drivers respectively through a
plurality of second signal lines, and the broadcast configuration
instruction comprises the number, transmission rate and signal
equalizer information of the second signal line connected with each
source driver.
[0024] In an embodiment, the generator is also used to generate a
point-to-point configuration instruction comprising an
identification of a first source driver, the first source driver
being any one of the plurality of source drivers; and the
transmitter is also used to transmit the point-to-point
configuration instruction through the first signal line.
[0025] The assembly may further comprise: a receiver used to
receive, through the first signal line, a configuration response
instruction transmitted by the first source driver, the
configuration response instruction being transmitted to the time
sequence controller by the first source driver according to the
point-to-point configuration instruction after the first source
driver detects the identification in the point-to-point
configuration instruction as the identification of the first source
driver.
[0026] In an embodiment, the assembly may further comprise: a
configurer used to configure an identification for a first source
driver based on a target second signal line and the first signal
line, the target second signal line being a second signal line
connecting the time sequence controller and the first source
driver.
[0027] In the fourth aspect, there is provided a drive control
assembly applicable to a first source driver. The first source
driver is any one of the plurality of source drivers. The plurality
of source drivers are connected in parallel, and are connected with
a time sequence controller through a first signal line. The
assembly may comprise: a receiver used to receive a broadcast
configuration instruction transmitted by the time sequence
controller through the first signal line; and a configurer used to
perform driver configuration according to the broadcast
configuration instruction.
[0028] In an embodiment, each instruction transmitted in the first
signal line comprises a preamble code, a start identifier, data
bits and an end identifier that are sequentially arranged, wherein
the preamble code is used to instruct a receiving terminal to
perform clock and phase calibration, the start identifier is used
to indicate the start of data transmission, the data bits are used
to carry configuration data, and the end identifier is used to
indicate the end of data transmission.
[0029] In an embodiment, the preamble code is obtained from
consecutive binary 0s in at least 8 bits by Manchester encoding;
the start identifier comprises consecutive binary 0s in at least 2
bits; the configuration data carried by the data bits is the data
obtained by Manchester encoding; and the end identifier comprises
consecutive binary 1s in at least 2 bits.
[0030] In an embodiment, the time sequence controller is connected
with the plurality of source drivers respectively through a
plurality of second signal lines, and the broadcast configuration
instruction comprises the number, transmission rate and signal
equalizer information of the second signal line connected with each
source driver.
[0031] In an embodiment, the receiver is also used to receive a
point-to-point configuration instruction transmitted by the time
sequence controller through the first signal line, the
point-to-point configuration instruction comprising
identification.
[0032] The assembly may further comprise a detector used to detect
whether the identification in the point-to-point configuration
instruction is the identification of the first source driver; and a
transmitter used to transmit a configuration response instruction
to the time sequence controller through the first signal line
according to the point-to-point configuration instruction after the
identification in the point-to-point configuration instruction is
determined as the identification of the first source driver.
[0033] In an embodiment, the assembly may further comprise: an
acquirer used to, based on a target second signal line and the
first signal line, acquire the identification that is configured
for the first source driver by the time sequence controller, the
target second signal line being a second signal line connecting the
time sequence controller and the first source driver.
[0034] In a fifth aspect, there is provided a display device
comprising a time sequence controller and a source driver, wherein
the time sequence controller comprises the drive control assembly
according to the third aspect, and the source driver comprises the
drive control assembly according to the fourth aspect.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0035] To explain the embodiments of the present disclosure more
clearly, the drawings used for describing the embodiments will be
introduced briefly hereinafter. The drawings described below are
only directed to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Those
having ordinary skills in the art may also obtain other drawings
from these drawings without making creative work.
[0036] FIG. 1A is a schematic view showing the application
environment of a drive control method provided by an embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0037] FIG. 1B is a schematic view showing the format of a signal
transmitted in a first signal line provided by an embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0038] FIG. 2 is a flowchart schematic view of a drive control
method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0039] FIG. 3 is a flowchart schematic view of a drive control
method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0040] FIG. 4A is a flowchart schematic view of a drive control
method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0041] FIG. 4B is a flowchart schematic view of an identification
configuration provided by an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0042] FIG. 5A is a structural schematic view of a drive control
assembly provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0043] FIG. 5B is a structural schematic view of another drive
control assembly provided by an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0044] FIG. 5C is a structural schematic view of a further drive
control assembly provided by an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0045] FIG. 6A is a structural schematic view of a drive control
assembly provided by another embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0046] FIG. 6B is a structural schematic view of another drive
control assembly provided by another embodiment of the present
disclosure; and
[0047] FIG. 6C is a structural schematic view of a further drive
control assembly provided by another embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0048] The drawings herein are incorporated into the description
and constitute a part of the description. They illustrate the
embodiments that comply with the present disclosure, and are used,
together with the description, to explain the principle of the
present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0049] To understand the objects, technical solutions and
advantages of the present application more clearly, the present
application will be described in detail with reference to the
drawings. Apparently, the embodiments described herein are only a
part of, not the whole, of the embodiments of the present
disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by those having ordinary
skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present disclosure
without making creative work fall within the protection scope of
the present disclosure.
[0050] The drive control method, assembly and device provided by
the embodiments of the present disclosure can transmit a broadcast
configuration instruction through a first signal line so as to
realize the control of various source drivers by a time sequence
controller, thereby enriching the functions of the first signal
line and enhancing the utilization rate of the first signal
line.
[0051] It shall be understood that the above general description
and the subsequent detailed description are merely exemplary and
cannot impose a limitation on the present disclosure.
[0052] With reference to FIG. 1A, FIG. 1A is a schematic view
showing the application environment of a drive control method
provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in
FIG. 1A, the application environment may be a display device
comprising a time sequence controller 01 and a plurality of source
drivers 02. The time sequence controller 01 is connected with a
plurality of source drivers 02 respectively through a plurality of
second signal lines H. Typically, the plurality of second signal
lines H of the time sequence controller 01 are connected with the
plurality of source drivers 02 in a one-to-one relationship. The
signal in the second signal line is transmitted unidirectionally.
The time sequence controller is also connected with a first signal
line L. The plurality of source drivers 02 are connected in
parallel and connected with the first signal line L. The signal in
the first signal line is transmitted bidirectionally.
[0053] In a panel drive circuit of a conventional display device,
the first signal line L as mentioned above can only be used to
identify a level state. For instance, the first signal line L is
used to set the pin of a source driver to be at a high or low
level.
[0054] However, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, in
addition to identifying a level state, the first signal line L may
also transmit other instructions to realize different data
transmission functions. Each data transmission function corresponds
to at least one transmission mode. For instance, a time sequence
controller can realize the function of transmitting a broadcast
configuration instruction to a source driver through the first
signal line, and the function corresponds to a broadcast mode. In
the broadcast mode, the time sequence controller broadcasts data.
Another example is that the time sequence controller may transmit
an identity configuration instruction to a source driver through
the first signal line so as to realize the function of transmitting
an identification (ID) to the source driver, and the function may
correspond to an ID assignment (IA) mode. In the IA mode, the time
sequence controller will assign an ID to the source driver. Another
example is that the time sequence controller may transmit a
point-to-point configuration instruction to the source driver
through the first signal line so as to realize the function of
point-to-point control of the source driver, and the function may
correspond to a downstream communication (DC) mode. In the DC mode,
the time sequence controller will perform point-to-point data
transmission with the source driver. Another example is that the
source driver may transmit a control response instruction directed
to the point-to-point configuration instruction to the time
sequence controller through the first signal line or an identity
configuration response instruction directed to the identity
configuration instruction to the time sequence controller through
the first signal line, and the function may correspond to a reply
transaction (RT) mode. In the RT mode, the source driver will reply
to the instructions of the time sequence controller. Through the
cooperation of the above modes (or functions), the time sequence
controller may sequentially complete the IA of the source driver,
the read/write operation of the data, and the reception of data
feedback from the source driver, etc.
[0055] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the
instructions transmitted between the time sequence controller and
the source driver may be in the same format. For instance, each
instruction transmitted in the first signal line may comprise a
preamble code, a start identifier, data bits (also known as a
transaction body) and an end identifier that are sequentially
arranged.
[0056] In an embodiment, the preamble code is used to instruct a
receiving terminal to perform clock and phase calibration. When the
receiving terminal (such as the time sequence controller or source
driver) detects the transmission of the preamble code on the first
signal line, it will perform clock and phase adjustment according
to the contents of the preamble code. According to the present
disclosure, the clock and phase adjustment refers to keeping the
clock consistent with the clock at a transmitting terminal and to
keeping the phase identical with that at the transmitting terminal.
The receiving terminal adjusts the clock and phase in the process
of receiving the preamble code. After the preamble code
transmission, the clock and phase adjustment is completed. The
start identifier is used to indicate the start of data
transmission, the data bits are used to carry configuration data,
and the end identifier is used to indicate the end of data
transmission.
[0057] According to the present disclosure, the preamble code may
be obtained from consecutive binary 0s (or 1s) in at least 8 bits
by Manchester encoding; the start identifier may maintain a
low-level signal (or a high-level signal) and not be Manchester
encoded (e.g., it comprises consecutive binary 0s or 1s in at least
2 bits); the configuration data carried by the data bits is the
data obtained by Manchester encoding; and the end identifier may
maintain a high-level signal and not be Manchester encoded (e.g.,
it comprises consecutive binary 1s in at least 2 bits). FIG. 1B
illustrates an example of the format of an instruction transmitted
between the time sequence controller and the source driver through
the first signal line. As shown in FIG. 1B, the preamble code is
obtained from consecutive binary 0s in 8 bits by Manchester
encoding; the start identifier is consecutive binary 0s in 2 bits;
the configuration data carried by the data bits is indicated by an
ellipsis; and the end identifier is consecutive binary 1s in 2
bits.
[0058] It should be explained that since Manchester encoding can
produce an obvious jump edge in data for easy data detection, so
Manchester encoding may be used for data that need to be encoded in
the embodiments of the present disclosure. But in practical
applications, the data may be encoded by other encoding methods or
not encoded at all. Furthermore, in order to ensure that the
configuration data carried by data bits can be effectively
identified at a decoding terminal, reference may be made to FIG.
1B, in which the first bit of the configuration data in the data
bits can produce a jump edge relative to the start identifier (that
is, the first bit of the configuration data in the data bits has a
different value from the last bit of the start identifier, for
example, the first bit of the configuration data in the data bits
is 1, and the last bit of the start identifier is 0), and the last
bit of the configuration data in the data bits can produce a jump
edge relative to the end identifier (that is, the last bit of the
configuration data in the data bits has a different value from the
first bit of the end identifier, for example, the last bit of the
configuration data in the data bits is 0, and the first bit of the
end identifier is 1). The jump edges mentioned above may facilitate
the effective identification of data at the receiving end.
[0059] In the above different instructions, the configuration data
carried by the data bits may comprise: a signal for indicating the
transmission mode of the first signal line. As stated above, the
transmission mode may be the foregoing broadcast mode, IA mode, DC
mode, or RT mode. The signal for indicating the transmission mode
of the first signal line may occupy, e.g., 2 bits in the data bits.
The current data transmission mode can be determined by detecting
the signal.
[0060] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the instruction
transmitted in the first signal line may comprise: a broadcast
configuration instruction, a point-to-point transmission
instruction, an identity configuration instruction, an identity
configuration response instruction or a configuration response
instruction. The broadcast configuration instruction, the
point-to-point transmission instruction, and the identity
configuration instruction are transmitted to the source driver from
the time sequence controller. In an embodiment, the transmission
mode of the broadcast configuration instruction is the broadcast
mode, the transmission mode of the point-to-point transmission
instruction is the DC mode, and the transmission mode of the
identity configuration instruction is the ID mode. The identity
configuration response instruction and the configuration response
instruction are transmitted to the time sequence controller from
the source driver. The identity configuration response instruction
is the response instruction directed to the identity configuration
instruction, and the configuration response instruction is the
response instruction directed to the point-to-point transmission
instruction. The transmission mode of both the identity
configuration response instruction and the configuration response
instruction is the RT mode.
[0061] In an embodiment, the configuration data in the data bits of
the broadcast configuration instruction may comprise the number
(e.g., the total number of high-speed channels H connected with the
time sequence controller), transmission rate (e.g., the
transmission rate of data in various second signal lines) and
signal equalizer (EQ) information of the second signal line.
[0062] In an embodiment, suppose the receiving terminal of the
point-to-point configuration instruction is a first source driver,
the configuration data carried by the data bits of the
point-to-point configuration instruction may comprise, e.g., an ID
of the source driver, the address and operational type of a
register needed to be configured in the source driver, and data
corresponding to the operation indicated by the operational
type.
[0063] With reference to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 is the flowchart schematic
view of a drive control method provided by an embodiment of the
present disclosure. The drive control method may be applied to the
time sequence controller in FIG. 1A. The time sequence controller
is connected with a plurality of source drivers that are
parallel-connected, through a first signal line. As shown in FIG.
2, the drive control method may comprise:
[0064] in Step 201: generating a broadcast configuration
instruction for instructing the plurality of source drivers to
perform driver configuration according to the broadcast
configuration instruction; and
[0065] in Step 202: transmitting the broadcast configuration
instruction through the first signal line.
[0066] The drive control method provided by the embodiment of the
present disclosure can transmit a broadcast configuration
instruction through a first signal line so as to realize the
control of various source drivers by the time sequence controller,
thereby enriching the functions of the first signal line and
enhancing the utilization rate of the first signal line.
[0067] With reference to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is a flowchart schematic
view of a drive control method provided by an embodiment of the
present disclosure. The drive control method may be applied to a
source driver in FIG. 1A (e.g., a first source driver). The source
driver is any one of the plurality of source drivers. The plurality
of source drivers are connected in parallel and connected with the
time sequence controller through the first signal line. As shown in
FIG. 3, the drive control method may comprise:
[0068] in Step 301: receiving a broadcast configuration instruction
transmitted by the time sequence controller through the first
signal line; and
[0069] in Step 302: performing driver configuration according to
the broadcast configuration instruction.
[0070] The drive control method provided by the embodiment of the
present disclosure can receive a broadcast configuration
instruction transmitted by the time sequence controller through a
first signal line so as to realize the control the first source
driver by the time sequence controller, thereby enriching the
functions of the first signal line and enhancing the utilization
rate of the first signal line.
[0071] It shall be explained that in a typical panel drive circuit,
it is usually by means of an embedded clock that the source driver
restores the clock according to signal characteristics received by
the second signal line, and the first signal line is only used to
identify a level state.
[0072] Due to this feature, it is usually required to make
corresponding preparations by a second signal line prior to the
transmission of display data. For instance, clock calibration is
performed to ensure that the work clock of the time sequence
controller is synchronized with that of the source driver. For a
configuration instruction, a portion of which is transmitted in a
second signal line, it needs to be transmitted after the completion
of the preparation (e.g., clock synchronization). Some functions
that need to be set after power-on initialization (prior to the
clock synchronization through the second signal line) are usually
set only by means of making the pin level of the source driver high
(or low), which may limit the flexibility of debugging or setting
thereof. Even when the pin level needs to be modified, the driver
design may be modified. These cause unnecessary consumption.
[0073] However, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, prior
to the clock synchronization through the second signal line, data
transmission, especially some functions that need to be set after
the power-on initialization, can be realized by the broadcast
configuration instruction and/or the point-to-point configuration
instruction through the first signal line. This requires no
modification of the driver design and reduces unnecessary
consumption. To be specific, with reference to FIG. 4A, FIG. 4A is
a flowchart schematic view of a drive control method provided by an
embodiment of the present disclosure. The drive control method may
be applied to the application environment in FIG. 1A. Suppose the
first source driver is any one of the plurality of source drivers,
the drive control method may comprise:
[0074] in Step 401: the time sequence controller generating a
broadcast configuration instruction for instructing the plurality
of source drivers to perform driver configuration according to the
broadcast configuration instruction.
[0075] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the broadcast
configuration instruction may carry data required to be configured
for each source driver prior to the clock synchronization through
the second signal line, so that the source drivers can perform
unified data configuration after power-on. For instance, the
broadcast configuration instruction may comprise the number,
transmission rate and signal equalizer information of the second
signal line.
[0076] In Step 402: the time sequence controller transmits the
broadcast configuration instruction through the first signal
line.
[0077] In Step 403: the first source driver performs driver
configuration according to the broadcast configuration
instruction.
[0078] After receiving the broadcast configuration instruction
transmitted by the time sequence controller through the first
signal line, the first source driver may perform driver
configuration according to the broadcast configuration instruction,
and the driver configuration process is the basic initialization
setting performed when high-speed channels establish connections.
In an embodiment, the broadcast configuration instruction may
comprise the number of the second signal lines connected with each
source driver. In this case, the source driver may store the number
of the second signal lines connected therewith. Furthermore, during
the clock calibration phase, the source driver needs to determine
the number of the second signal lines to be calibrated according to
the number of the second signal lines connected therewith that is
stored in the source driver. For instance, it determines whether
one second signal line or two second signal lines are required to
meet the calibration requirement. It should be explained that when
the second signal line is a differential signal line, one second
signal line is actually a differential signal line made of two
sub-signal lines. In an embodiment, the broadcast configuration
instruction may comprise a transmission rate of the second signal
line or first signal line. The transmission rate may be used to
inform the source driver of the transmission rate for the signal
transmission to be carried out. Thus, when the clock is calibrated,
the source driver can accurately work under an agreed transmission
rate. In an embodiment, the broadcast configuration instruction may
comprise signal equalizer information. The signal equalizer
information may be used to indicate a signal gain level. Different
signal equalizer information may indicate different signal gain
levels. The source driver may strengthen the received signal
according to the signal equalizer information included in the
broadcast configuration instruction. Thus, when an attenuated
signal cannot be received correctly, the signal may be raised to
the range in which the signal can be normally received by the
source driver according to the level-strengthened signal indicated
by the signal equalizer information. In addition, the source
drivers at different locations may achieve states with similar
signal amplitudes through different gain settings. In this way, the
source drivers can adjust their signals respectively according to
the signal equalizer information thereof so as to obtain the data
signals that can be normally received.
[0079] It should be explained that under normal conditions, one
source driver is connected with one second signal line. But under
some special occasions, one second signal line may not meet the
transmission requirement of the source driver, so one source driver
may also be connected with at least two second signal lines
accordingly. In practical application, the broadcast configuration
instruction may comprise the number of the second signal lines
connected with each source driver. The number of the second signal
lines connected with each source driver may be the same or
different. When the number of the second signal lines connected
with each source driver is the same, the broadcast configuration
instruction may only carry the number of one second signal line
(e.g., the carried number is 1) to indicate that each source driver
is connected with one second signal line. Thus, each source driver
is configured according to that number.
[0080] Furthermore, the drive control method may comprise Step 404.
In Step 404, the time sequence controller configures an ID for the
first source driver based on a target second signal line and the
first signal line, and the target second signal line is a second
signal line connecting the time sequence controller and the first
source driver. According to the present disclosure, the step may be
carried out repeatedly so that the time sequence controller
configures IDs for all the source drivers in a panel drive
circuit.
[0081] It should be explained that the ID of the source driver is
pre-configured by the time sequence controller for the source
driver, which may ensure that the time sequence controller
identifies the source driver effectively. In an embodiment of the
present disclosure, the time sequence controller may generally
pre-configure the ID of the source driver (e.g., the first source
driver) in a software manner.
[0082] In an embodiment, the source driver may be configured with
an ID to based on the target second signal line and the first
signal line connected with the source driver so as to realize
software configuration. The software configuration process is
simple and convenient, which can enhance the flexibility of signal
transmission between the time sequence controller and the source
driver and reduce the complexity of configuration. FIG. 4B
illustrates, by way of example, the process of configuring an ID
for the first source driver based on the target second signal line
and the first signal line. The process may comprise Step 4041 at
the beginning.
[0083] In the Step 4041, the time sequence controller sets the
signal in the target second signal line connected with the first
source driver as an unconventional signal, and signals in the
plurality of second signal lines, except the target second signal
line, as a conventional signal. In an embodiment, the
unconventional signal is different from the conventional signal,
and the conventional signal is the signal transmitted during the
normal operation of the second signal line. Those skilled in the
art may also use other signals that can be distinguished from each
other.
[0084] Since the source driver needs to configure an ID for each of
the source drivers, the process of ID configuration is actually a
time-sharing configuration process. That is to say, different
source drivers are configured with IDs at different time periods.
During the process of configuring ID for a specific source driver,
in order to ensure that the source driver knows this is the time
period in which the time sequence controller configures an ID for
it, the time sequence controller needs to provide corresponding
prompt information for the source driver. In an embodiment of the
present disclosure, the prompt information can be realized by the
second signal line. Suppose the signal transmitted during the
normal operation of the high-speed signal is a conventional signal.
In this case, the specific source driver can be prompted by setting
the signal in the target second signal line connected with the
specific source driver as an unconventional signal different from
the conventional signal, and setting the signals in the plurality
of second signal lines, except the target second signal line, as a
conventional signal. Thus, since the specific source driver knows
both the conventional signal and the unconventional signal, it can
judge that it is being configured with an ID by the time sequence
controller according to the fact that the received signal is an
unconventional signal. Meanwhile, other source drivers can also
judge that they are not currently configured with IDs by the time
sequence controller according to the fact that the received signal
is a conventional signal. In another embodiment, the specific
source driver can be prompted by setting the signal in the target
second signal line connected with the specific source driver as a
conventional signal, and setting the signals in the plurality of
second signal lines, except the target second signal line, as an
unconventional signal different from the conventional signal.
[0085] The second signal line is usually a differential signal
line, and transmits data by way of differential transmission.
Differential transmission is a signal transmission technology,
which is different from the conventional signal transmission
technology that uses one signal line and one ground line. In
differential transmission, signals are transmitted in both lines
with the same signal amplitude and opposite phases. The signals
transmitted in the two lines are differential signals. In an
embodiment of the present disclosure, the differential signal line
for realizing the differential transmission comprises two
sub-signal lines. In normal operation, the two sub-signal lines
have different levels. That is to say, one signal line is at a high
level, and the other signal line is at a low level. In this case,
the process of setting the signal in the target second signal line
as an unconventional signal, and setting the signals in the
plurality of second signal lines, except the target second signal
line, as a conventional signal may comprise: setting the signals in
the two sub-signal lines of the target second signal line at the
same level (e.g., setting the two sub-signal lines at a low level
or a high level). The signals in the two sub-signal lines included
in each second signal line of the plurality of second signal lines,
except the target second signal line, are set at the different
levels.
[0086] In Step 4042, the time sequence controller transmits the
identity configuration instruction to the first source driver
through the first signal line, and the identity configuration
instruction comprises the ID of the first source driver.
[0087] In Step 4043, the first source driver detects the type of
the signal in the target second signal line. The signal type is an
unconventional signal or a conventional signal.
[0088] After the first source driver receives the identity
configuration instruction transmitted by the time sequence
controller through the first signal line, the first source driver
detects the type of the signal in the target second signal line
connected with the first source driver. In an embodiment, suppose
the second signal line is the differential signal line as stated
above. In this case, the first source driver detecting the type of
the signal in the target second signal line may comprise: detecting
the signals in the two sub-signal lines of the target second signal
line. When the signals in the two sub-signal lines are at the same
level, the first source driver determines the signal in the target
second signal line as an unconventional signal. When the signals in
the two sub-signal lines are at the different levels, the first
source driver determines the signal in the target second signal
line as a conventional signal.
[0089] In Step 4044, when the signal in the target second signal
line is an unconventional signal, the first source driver
determines the ID in the identity configuration instruction as its
own ID.
[0090] Since a plurality of source drivers are connected in
parallel, and are connected to one first signal line in series, all
source drivers may receive the identity configuration instruction
every time the time sequence controller transmits the identity
configuration instruction. When the source driver determines that
the signal in the corresponding target second signal line is an
unconventional signal, it can be determined that the ID carried in
the identity configuration instruction is configured for itself,
and then the ID is stored. When the source driver determines that
the signal in the corresponding target second signal line is a
conventional signal, it can be determined that the ID carried in
the identity configuration instruction is not configured for
itself, and the identity configuration instruction may be
ignored.
[0091] As known from the above, the second signal line plays a
prompt function in the software configuration process, and the
first signal line plays an instruction transmission function in the
software configuration process.
[0092] In Step 4045, the first source driver transmits the identity
configuration response instruction to the time sequence controller.
The identity configuration response instruction may comprise the ID
of the first source driver.
[0093] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, after
identifying the ID in the identity configuration instruction as its
own identity, the specific source driver may transmit the identity
configuration response instruction carrying the ID to the time
sequence controller so as to prompt the time sequence controller
that it completes the ID configuration.
[0094] In Step 4046, the time sequence controller checks whether
the ID in the identity configuration response instruction is the
same as that in the identity configuration instruction previously
transmitted by itself.
[0095] After receiving the identity configuration response
instruction transmitted by the first source driver, the time
sequence controller may check whether the ID in the identity
configuration response instruction is the same as that in the
identity configuration instruction previously transmitted by
itself.
[0096] In Step 4047, when the ID in the identity configuration
response instruction transmitted by the first source driver is the
same as that in the identity configuration instruction previously
transmitted by the time sequence controller, the time sequence
controller determines that the ID configuration of the first source
driver is successful.
[0097] It should be explained that when the ID in the identity
configuration response instruction transmitted by the first source
driver is different from that in the identity configuration
instruction previously transmitted by the time sequence controller,
the time sequence controller may determine the instruction
transmission between itself and the first source driver is
abnormal. In this case, the time sequence controller and the first
source driver may re-execute the above steps 4041 to 4047 until the
time sequence controller determines that the ID in the identity
configuration response instruction is the same as that in the
identity configuration instruction previously transmitted by
itself.
[0098] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, after the Step
4042, if the time sequence controller does not receive the identity
configuration response instruction transmitted by the first source
driver within the preset time period (the preset time period may be
equal to the preset feedback timeout threshold), the time sequence
controller may determine that the first source driver replies
overtime and the instruction transmission therebetween is abnormal.
In such a case, the time sequence controller and the first source
driver may re-execute the above Steps 4041-4047 until the time
sequence controller receives, within the preset time period after
transmitting the identity configuration instruction, the identity
configuration response instruction transmitted by the first source
driver.
[0099] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the second
signal line is a differential signal line, the signals in the two
sub-signal lines of the differential signal line connected with the
first source driver may be lowered (or raised). Thus, as stated
above, the first source driver can identify that the time sequence
controller performs assignment operation (i.e., the operation of ID
configuration) on itself by the change on the differential signal
line. After the first source driver receives the identity
configuration instruction transmitted by the time sequence
controller, it uses the ID carried therein as its own ID, and
returns the ID to the time sequence controller. The time sequence
controller determines whether the assignment succeeds or not
according to the returned ID. This process can realize the
assignment of the source driver quickly and effectively.
[0100] The first signal line according to the present disclosure is
a special is signal line. It may transmit an instruction to the
corresponding source driver and receives the response instruction
transmitted by the source driver, thereby achieving the
bidirectional signal transmission.
[0101] Then, let's return to the drive control method shown in FIG.
4A.
[0102] In Step 405, the time sequence controller generates a
point-to-point configuration instruction comprising the ID of the
first source driver and/or configuration data directed to the first
source driver.
[0103] According to the present disclosure, the time sequence
controller may perform a point-to-point control of a specific
source driver by the point-to-point instruction. In the embodiment
of the present disclosure, the point-to-point configuration
instruction may carry data that need to be configured for the
specific source driver before the clock synchronization of the
second signal line, thereby achieving a separate configuration for
the specific source driver. For instance, when it is only necessary
to perform a read or write operation for the first source driver,
the time sequence controller may transmit the point-to-point
configuration instruction directed to the first source driver. The
data bits of the point-to-point configuration instruction may
comprise a pre-configured ID of the first source driver, the
address and operational type of a register needed to be configured
in the first source driver, and data corresponding to the operation
indicated by the operational type. The operational type may be a
read type or a write type or others.
[0104] In Step 406, the time sequence controller transmits the
point-to-point configuration instruction through the first signal
line.
[0105] In Step 407, the first source driver detects whether the ID
in the point-to-point configuration instruction is the ID of the
first source driver.
[0106] After receiving the point-to-point configuration instruction
transmitted by the time sequence controller through the first
signal line, each source driver will detect whether the ID included
in the point-to-point configuration instruction matches with its
own ID. When the ID included in the point-to-point configuration
instruction does not match with its own ID, the source driver
determines that the point-to-point configuration instruction is not
directed to itself, and further does not process the point-to-point
configuration instruction. When the ID included in the
point-to-point configuration instruction matches with its own ID,
the source driver determines the point-to-point configuration
instruction is directed to itself, and further configures itself
according to the operation indicated by the point-to-point
configuration instruction. In an embodiment of the present
disclosure, the first source driver detects that the ID in the
point-to-point configuration instruction is its own ID, so it
determines that the point-to-point configuration instruction is
directed to itself. Other source driver detects that the ID in the
point-to-point configuration instruction is not its own ID, so it
determines that the point-to-point configuration instruction is not
directed to itself. Those skilled in the art shall realize that the
ID match does not mean the two IDs must be completely the same. In
an embodiment, the ID included in the point-to-point configuration
instruction may be an abbreviation of the ID stored in the source
driver, thereby saving transmission resources.
[0107] In Step 408, after determining the ID in the point-to-point
configuration instruction as its own ID, the first source driver
transmits a configuration response instruction to the time sequence
controller through the first signal line according to the
point-to-point configuration instruction.
[0108] After determining the ID in the point-to-point configuration
instruction as its own ID, the first source driver may perform the
operation indicated by the point-to-point configuration
instruction, such as a read operation or a write operation or a
driver setting operation. After performing the corresponding
operation, the first source driver generates a configuration
response instruction for indicating the completion of instruction
execution and transmits it to the time sequence controller.
[0109] In an embodiment, when the configuration response
instruction needs to be transmitted to the time sequence
controller, the first source driver may transmit the configuration
response instruction to the time sequence controller only after a
preset reply wait time since the reception of the point-to-point
configuration instruction.
[0110] The reply wait time may be longer than a standby time and
less than a feedback timeout threshold. In an embodiment, the
standby time may be 10 microseconds (.mu.s), the feedback timeout
threshold may be 300 microseconds, and the reply wait time is
longer than 10 microseconds and less than 300 microseconds.
[0111] The standby time, also referred as the instruction waiting
time, is the time interval between two adjacent instructions
transmitted by the time sequence controller. The reply wait time of
the first source driver is longer than the standby time, which may
prevent the first source driver from transmitting an instruction
when the time sequence controller has not finished transmitting an
instruction, thereby avoiding line collision. The feedback timeout
threshold is preset. When the interval between the reception of the
point-to-point configuration instruction by the first source driver
and the transmission of the configuration response instruction by
the first source driver is longer than the feedback timeout
threshold, it may be deemed that the configuration response
instruction has expired and is not effective any longer, and it is
meaningless to re-transmit the instruction. Thus, the reply wait
time may be set to be longer than the standby time and less than
the feedback timeout threshold.
[0112] In a conventional display panel, the configuration
instruction for the source driver may be transmitted only through
the second signal line. As stated above, there is some
configuration information that needs to be transmitted when the
second signal line is not ready at the power-on initialization
phase. Since the transmission of these configuration information is
dependent on the second signal line in the conventional display
panel, these configuration information cannot be transmitted before
the second signal line is ready. However, the embodiments of the
present disclosure use the first signal line that is independent of
the second signal line, define a particular signal instruction
sequence as shown in FIG. 1B and adopts Manchester encoding, to
realize the transmission of these configuration information before
the second signal line is ready, which enriches the functions of
the first signal line and enhances the utilization rate of the
first signal line. In addition, the present disclosure enables the
collaboration between the first and second signal lines, thereby
realizing the separate control of the specific source driver or
overall control of a plurality of source drivers with different
operational modes and different configuration instructions. This
requires no modification of the driver design, and therefore
reduces unnecessary consumption.
[0113] It shall be explained that the sequence of the steps of the
drive control methods provided by the embodiments of the present
disclosure may be adjusted appropriately, and the steps may be
added or removed according to the situation. Any varied method that
may be readily envisaged by one skilled in the art within the
technical scope disclosed by the present disclosure shall be within
the scope of protection of the present disclosure, and will not be
reiterated herein.
[0114] FIG. 5A shows a drive control assembly provided by an
embodiment of the present disclosure. It is applied to the time
sequence controller as shown in e.g. FIG. 1A. The time sequence
controller is connected with a plurality of source drivers that are
parallel-connected, through a first signal line. As shown in FIG.
5A, the drive control assembly may comprise a generator 501 used to
generate a broadcast configuration instruction. The broadcast
configuration instruction is used to instruct the plurality of
source drivers to perform driver configuration according to the
broadcast configuration instruction. As shown in FIG. 5A, the drive
control assembly may further comprise a transmitter 502 used to
transmit the broadcast configuration instruction through the first
signal line.
[0115] The transmitter in the drive control assembly provided by an
embodiment of the present disclosure can transmit the broadcast
configuration instruction through the first signal line so as to
realize the control of various source drivers by the time sequence
controller, thereby enriching the functions of the first signal
line and enhancing the utilization rate of the first signal
line.
[0116] In an embodiment, each instruction transmitted in the first
signal line may comprise a preamble code, a start identifier, data
bits and an end identifier that are sequentially arranged.
[0117] The preamble code is used to instruct a receiving terminal
to perform clock and phase calibration, the start identifier is
used to indicate the start of data transmission, the data bits are
used to carry configuration data, and the end identifier is used to
indicate the end of data transmission.
[0118] In an embodiment, the preamble code is obtained from
consecutive binary 0s in at least 8 bits by Manchester encoding.
The start identifier comprises consecutive binary 0s in at least 2
bits. The configuration data carried by the data bits is the data
obtained by Manchester encoding. The end identifier comprises
consecutive binary 1s in at least 2 bits.
[0119] In an embodiment, the time sequence controller is connected
with the plurality of source drivers respectively through a
plurality of second signal lines. The broadcast configuration
instruction comprises the number, transmission rate and signal
equalizer information of the second signal line connected with each
source driver.
[0120] In an embodiment, the generator 501 is also used to generate
a point-to-point configuration instruction. The point-to-point
configuration instruction comprises the ID of a specific source
driver (e.g., a first source driver), and the specific source
driver is any one of the plurality of drivers.
[0121] The transmitter 502 is also used to transmit the
point-to-point configuration instruction through the first signal
line.
[0122] In this case, as shown in FIG. 5B, in addition to various
components as shown in FIG. 5A, the drive control assembly may
further comprise: a receiver 503 used to receive, through the first
signal line, a configuration response instruction transmitted by
the source driver. The configuration response instruction is
transmitted to the time sequence controller by the source driver
according to the point-to-point configuration instruction after the
source driver detects the ID in the point-to-point configuration
instruction as its own ID.
[0123] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5C, in addition to
various components as shown in FIG. 5B, the drive control assembly
may further comprise: a configurer 504 used to configure an ID for
the specific source driver based on a target second signal line
connecting the time sequence controller and the specific source
driver, and the first signal line.
[0124] In an embodiment, the configurer 504 may comprise a
sub-configurer 5041 used to set a signal in the target second
signal line as an unconventional signal and signals in the
plurality of second signal lines, except the target second signal
line, as a conventional signal. The unconventional signal is
different from the conventional signal, and the conventional signal
is the signal transmitted during the normal operation of the second
signal line. In another embodiment, the sub-configurer 5041 may
also be used to set a signal in the target second signal line as a
conventional signal and signals in the plurality of second signal
lines, except the target second signal line, as an unconventional
signal. Those skilled in the art can readily conceive of a method
for distinguishing the specific second signal line from other
second signal line.
[0125] In an embodiment, the configurer 504 may further comprise a
sub-transmitter 5042 used to transmit the identity configuration
instruction to the source driver through the first signal line. The
identity configuration instruction comprises the ID of the specific
source driver.
[0126] In this case, the receiver 503 may also be used to receive
the identity configuration response instruction transmitted by the
specific source driver. The identity configuration response
instruction may comprise the ID of the specific source driver.
[0127] Correspondingly, as shown in FIG. 5C, the drive control
assembly may further comprise a detector 505 used to detect whether
the ID in the identity configuration response instruction is the
same as the ID in the identity configuration instruction. The drive
control assembly may further comprise a determiner 506 used to
determine the ID of the specific source driver is successfully
configured when the ID in the identity configuration response
instruction is the same as the ID in the identity configuration
instruction.
[0128] In an embodiment, the standby time may be preset at
intervals between two adjacent instructions transmitted by the time
sequence controller.
[0129] In an embodiment, the second signal line is a differential
signal line, and the differential signal line comprises two
sub-signal lines. In this case, the sub-configurer 5041 may also be
used to set the signals in the two sub-signal lines in the target
second signal line at the same level, and the signals in the two
sub-signal lines included in each of the plurality of second signal
lines, except the target second signal line, at different levels.
Thus, it may prompt that an ID is being configured for the source
driver connected with the target second signal line.
[0130] The transmitter in the drive control assemblies provided by
the embodiments of the present disclosure can transmit the
broadcast configuration instruction or the point-to-point
configuration instruction through the first signal line so as to
realize the control of various source drivers by the time sequence
controller, thereby enriching the functions of the first signal
line and enhancing the utilization rate of the first signal
line.
[0131] FIG. 6A shows a drive control assembly provided by another
embodiment of the present disclosure. It is applied to any one of
the source drivers as shown in e.g. FIG. 1A. As shown in FIG. 6A,
the drive control assembly may comprise a receiver 601 used to
receive a broadcast configuration instruction transmitted by the
time sequence controller through the first signal line. As shown in
FIG. 6A, the drive control assembly may further comprise a
configurer 602 used to perform driver configuration according to
the broadcast configuration instruction.
[0132] The receiver in the drive control assembly provided by an
embodiment of the present disclosure can receive the broadcast
configuration instruction transmitted by the time sequence
controller through the first signal line so as to realize the
control of the source driver by the time sequence controller,
thereby enriching the functions of the first signal line and
enhancing the utilization rate of the first signal line.
[0133] In an embodiment, each instruction transmitted in the first
signal line may comprise a preamble code, a start identifier, data
bits and an end identifier that are sequentially arranged. The
preamble code is used to instruct a receiving terminal to perform
clock and phase calibration, the start identifier is used to
indicate the start of data transmission, the data bits are used to
carry configuration data, and the end identifier is used to
indicate the end of data transmission.
[0134] In an embodiment, the preamble code is obtained from
consecutive binary 0s in at least 8 bits by Manchester encoding.
The start identifier comprises consecutive binary 0s in at least 2
bits. The configuration data carried by the data bits is the data
obtained by Manchester encoding. The end identifier comprises
consecutive binary 1s in at least 2 bits.
[0135] In an embodiment, the time sequence controller is connected
with the plurality of source drivers respectively through a
plurality of second signal lines. The broadcast configuration
instruction may comprise the number, transmission rate and signal
equalizer information of the second signal line connected with each
source driver.
[0136] In an embodiment, the receiver 601 is also used to receive a
point-to-point configuration instruction transmitted by the time
sequence controller through the first signal line, the
point-to-point configuration instruction comprising an ID.
[0137] Correspondingly, as shown in FIG. 6B, in addition to various
components as shown in FIG. 6A, the drive control assembly may
further comprise: a detector 603 used to detect whether the ID in
the point-to-point configuration instruction is the ID of the
source driver used by itself. The drive control assembly may
further comprise a transmitter 604 used to transmit a configuration
response instruction to the time sequence controller through the
first signal line according to the point-to-point configuration
instruction after the ID in the point-to-point configuration
instruction is determined as the ID of the source driver used by
itself.
[0138] The configurer 602 may be used to configure the source
driver used by itself according to the point-to-point configuration
instruction after the ID in the point-to-point configuration
instruction is determined as the ID of the source driver used by
itself.
[0139] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6C, in addition to
various components as shown in FIG. 6B, the drive control assembly
may further comprise an acquirer 605 used to acquire the ID of the
source driver used by itself, which is configured by the time
sequence controller based on the target second signal line and the
first signal line. The target second signal line is a second signal
line connecting the time sequence controller and the source driver
used by itself.
[0140] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6C, the acquirer 605 may
comprise a sub-receiver 6051 used to receive the identity
configuration instruction transmitted by the time sequence
controller through the first signal line, the identity
configuration instruction comprising an ID. As shown in FIG. 6C,
the acquirer 605 may also comprise a sub-detector 6052 used to
detect the type of the signal in the target second signal line. The
signal type is an unconventional signal or a conventional signal.
As shown in FIG. 6C, the acquirer 605 may further comprise a
sub-determiner 6053 used to determine the ID in the identity
configuration instruction as the ID of the source driver used by
itself when the signal in the target second signal line is an
unconventional signal, and used to ignore the identity
configuration instruction when the signal in the target second
signal line is a conventional signal. According to the present
disclosure, the unconventional signal is different from the
conventional signal, and the conventional signal is the signal
transmitted during the normal operation of the second signal line.
In another embodiment, the sub-determiner 6053 may be used to
determine the ID in the identity configuration instruction as the
ID of the source driver used by itself when the signal in the
target second signal line is a conventional signal, and used to
ignore the identity configuration instruction when the signal in
the target second signal line is an unconventional signal.
[0141] In an embodiment, the transmitter 604 may also be used to
transmit the identity configuration response instruction to the
time sequence controller. The identity configuration response
instruction may comprise the ID of the source driver.
[0142] In an embodiment, the transmitter 604 may also be used to
transmit the configuration response instruction to the time
sequence controller through the first signal line according to the
point-to-point configuration instruction after a preset reply wait
time since the reception of the point-to-point configuration
instruction.
[0143] In an embodiment, the reply wait time may be set to be
longer than a standby time and less than a feedback timeout
threshold. The standby time is the interval between two adjacent
instructions transmitted by the time sequence controller.
[0144] In an embodiment, the second signal line is a differential
signal line comprising two sub-signal lines. In this case, the
sub-detector 6052 may be used to detect the signals in the two
sub-signal lines of the target second signal line. When the signals
in the two sub-signal lines are at the same level, the sub-detector
6052 may determine the signal in the target second signal line as
an unconventional signal. When the signals in the two sub-signal
lines are at different levels, the sub-detector 6052 may determine
the signal in the target second signal line as a conventional
signal.
[0145] The receiver in the drive control assembly provided by an
embodiment of the present disclosure can receive the point-to-point
configuration instruction transmitted by the time sequence
controller through the first signal line so as to realize the
point-to-point control of the first source driver by the time
sequence controller, thereby enriching the functions of the first
signal line and enhancing the utilization rate of the first signal
line.
[0146] The embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a
display device comprising a time sequence controller and source
drivers. The time sequence controller is for example the time
sequence controller 01 as shown in FIG. 1A, and the source driver
is for example the source driver 02 as shown in FIG. 1A. The time
sequence controller may comprise the drive control assembly as
shown in any one of FIGS. 5A-5C. The source driver may comprise the
drive control assembly as shown in any one of FIGS. 6A-6C.
[0147] The display device may be any product or component having a
display function, such as an LCD panel, electronic paper, an
organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel, a mobile phone, a tablet
computer, a TV, a display, a laptop computer, a digital photo
frame, or a navigator.
[0148] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that for the
sake of easy and concise description, reference may be made to the
corresponding process in the previous method embodiments for the
specific operational process of devices, assemblies and appliances
as stated above, which will not be reiterated herein.
[0149] Having considered the description and implementing the
disclosure as disclosed herein, those skilled in the art will
easily envisage other implementations of the present application.
The present application intends to cover any variation, use or
adaptive modification of the present application, which follows the
general principles of the present application and includes common
knowledge or conventional technical means in the technical field
that is not disclosed in the present application. The description
and embodiments are merely considered to be exemplary, and the true
scope and spirit of the present application are indicated by the
claims.
[0150] It shall be understood that the present disclosure is not
limited to the precise structures as described above and shown in
the drawings, and may be modified and changed without departing
from the scope. The scope of the present disclosure is limited only
by the appended claims.
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